Structure and resultant mechanical and tribological performance of PP/PLA/carbon fiber/ethylene-butyl acrylate composites

Abstract

The aim of this study is to put forth the synergistic effect of carbon fiber reinforcement and ethylene-butyl acrylate compatibilization on the mechanical and wear performance of polypropylene/poly(lactic acid) blend composites and to find an inspiration about their availability for diverse applications as stronger renewable composites. Crystalline morphologies are greatly affected by these concentrations. Synergistic inclusion of both poly(lactic acid) and ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer in polypropylene matrix was found to effectively enhance the nucleation of β-crystals which may provide secondary mechanism of reinforcement. Despite the island-sea type immiscible morphology, ethylene-butyl acrylate incorporation offered potential toughening effect for polypropylene/poly(lactic acid) system due to its ethylene molecules which have more flexibility and an elongation than poly(lactic acid). As expected, the increase in carbon fiber concentration in the composites indicated a positive correlation with mechanical test results. However, contrary to ethylene-butyl acrylate compatibilization, high rigidity obtained by carbon fiber contribution was not beneficial from the abrasive wear resistance point of view, due to repeated ploughing effect of the counterpart material.

Polypropylene/poly(lactic acid)/carbon nanotube semi‐biodegradable nanocomposites: The effect of sequential mixing approach and compatibilization on morphology, rheology and electrical conductivity

“…Besides compatibilization, some reports studied the effect of inorganic particles on the physic‐mechanical properties of PP/PLA blends. The addition of carbon fiber improved both tensile and flexural properties of PP/PLA (25/75%) blend 15 . The presence of organoclay decreased the water absorption, 21 improved the barrier properties, 22 and mechanical properties 14 .…”

“…The addition of carbon fiber improved both tensile and flexural properties of PP/PLA (25/75%) blend. 15 The presence of organoclay decreased the water absorption, 21 improved the barrier properties, 22 and mechanical properties. 14 Graphene nanoplatelets also improved the tensile properties of compatibilized PP/PLA blends.…”

“…4 PP/PLA blends are incompatible, resulting in gross phase-separated morphology and poor mechanical performance owing to the lack of interfacial adhesion. The addition of some functional polymers as maleic anhydride-grafted PP, [5][6][7][8][9][10] glycidyl methacrylate-based terpolymers [11][12][13][14] and ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, 15 for example, has been adopted to improve these characteristics. In spite of the non-biodegradability of PP, the corresponding PP/PLA blend presents better biodegradability when compared with neat PP.…”

The Friction of Structurally Modified Isotactic Polypropylene

“…As it follows from Figure 5 , at the beginning of the measurement the coefficient of friction is relatively low and the grows to finally achieve a steady state. This behavior is typical for polymers [ 62 , 63 ]. Due to the adhesion of the polymer to the steel counter-sample, a thin layer of polymer (so-called transfer film) can be deposited on the opposite sample [ 64 ].…”

Influence of Inorganic Additives on the Surface Characteristics, Hardness, Friction and Wear Behavior of Polyethylene Matrix Composites

“…Initially, the coefficient of friction was relatively low and gradually increased until it reached a steady state. This behavior is commonly observed in polymers [27,28] and is attributed to the adhesion of the polymer to the steel counter-sample. During the test, a thin layer of polymer, known as a transfer film, can be deposited on the opposing sample [29].…”